Islands may advertise opposition to Enbridge

Port Clements voted Monday (Jan. 16) to set aside $250 as a contribution towards a full-page ad in the Vancouver Sun, or other large newspaper, publicizing the islands communities’ anti-Enbridge stance. Mayor Wally Cheer said the idea of buying a full-page ad was discussed at an islands’ leaders meeting last week in Port. No decision was made, but Mr. Cheer suggested that Port set some money aside just in case it is needed. Council members voted to earmark $250 from the village’s advertising budget for a joint ad if the leaders do decide to buy one. Councillors said they might be willing to contribute more, but will make that decision when they receive a request. Councillor Urs Thomas voted against the contribution, saying he believes people should have the freedom to make individual donations if they support the idea. A full-page ad in the Sun costs between $17,000 and $22,000, depending on the day of the week and the paper’s circulation. Council also voted to appoint councillor Kaz Falconbridge as Port’s representative to an all-islands Enbridge strategy committee, with councillor Matt Gaspar as the alternate. Mr. Falconbridge was not at the meeting, but councillors said he has shown a lot of interest in the issue.